Paul taps Englander as likely 2016 campaign manager

Sen. Rand Paul has brought on a new operative who is expected to serve as campaign manager for the Kentucky Republican’s near-certain 2016 presidential bid.

Paul’s political team has named Chip Englander, who recently managed the successful gubernatorial campaign of Illinois Republican Bruce Rauner, to a senior adviser position, POLITICO confirmed late Tuesday.

The hire of Englander by Paul’s team comes amid a flurry of activity in the likely Republican 2016 field as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former 2012 nominee Mitt Romney and a host of other contenders have indicated in recent weeks that they are all looking seriously at bids.

Paul has long been open about his interest in a presidential run, positing that his libertarian-leaning Republican brand could have appeal beyond the traditional GOP base. His political arm, RANDPAC, has brought on a number of other advisers, including those with deep ties to the early-voting presidential states, such as former Iowa GOP Chair A.J. Spiker, and New Hampshire GOP strategist Mike Biundo.

Doug Stafford will remain Paul’s senior political adviser.

The senator is headed to the Granite State on Wednesday for a day-long series of meetings and meet-and-greets. Later this week he will head to another early-voting state, Nevada, for a two-day swing. He said in a radio interview last week that a final decision on a presidential bid will come in the spring.